Meet Jeroen Blansjaar, our new COO.
We are thrilled to introduce Jeroen Blansjaar as the newest addition to our team at NoPalm Ingredients, stepping into the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO). This appointment marks a significant milestone in our journey as a rapidly growing start-up/scale-up, as we strategically plan for an exciting future ahead.
According to Lars Langhout, CEO & co-founder of NoPalm Ingredients, "As we embark on ambitious endeavors to establish a state-of-the-art R&D facility, a future demonstration plant, and cutting-edge commercial facilities, the role of a COO becomes crucial. We recognized the need for a seasoned leader who could complement our founding team and bring exceptional expertise and capabilities to the table. Jeroen Blansjaar is THE perfect fit for our team."
Get to know Jeroen…
What is your personal purpose?
"My personal purpose is to eliminate waste and inefficiencies and enable organizations to thrive in the broadest sense. This includes addressing 'waste' in the form of frustration and disappointment resulting from ill-aligned work processes and unclear roles and responsibilities. I'm passionate about driving operational excellence because it is both rewarding and generates enthusiasm when an organization reaches its full potential. Moreover, it is rooted in a deeper sense that we should always strive to leave things in a better state than we found them. As a sailing enthusiast, I adhere to the guiding principle among boatsmen to leave the boat in a better condition than when I first boarded. It can be as simple as cleaning the deck or making small repairs while enjoying the breeze."
Why did you decide to join NoPalm Ingredients?
"Clearly, NoPalm as an organization has an incredibly strong purpose that fully aligns with my own. Moreover, I am genuinely drawn to the challenges and pioneering spirit that start-up and scale-up companies offer. Lastly, working with a fantastic group of young, enthusiastic, and talented individuals adds to the excitement of this opportunity."
Why will you be successful?
"I am confident in my ability to succeed because I have had the privilege of working in large and professional organizations alongside incredibly talented individuals from whom I have learned a great deal. I have also found ways to gradually implement that knowledge and experience in smaller businesses, helping them grow along the way."
In his new role as COO, Jeroen will assume responsibility for overseeing critical aspects of our organization. He will lead Manufacturing Operations, Projects, and Engineering, with primary accountability for the design, construction, and commissioning of our pilot facilities and R&D centers.” Jeroen's keen eye for efficiency will drive continuous improvements in our day-to-day operations, aligning our business and production procedures with our organizational objectives and implementing best practices. Additionally, his expertise in building high-performance teams will foster a culture of excellence as we strive to deliver exceptional results.
Jeroen's impressive background as the former COO at ProtiFarm (later acquired by Ynsect), combined with his diverse experience at FrieslandCampina, Shell, and Heineken, positions him perfectly to spearhead the realization of our new facilities. His expertise in overseeing complex operations and leading cross-functional teams will prove invaluable as we scale our team (currently ~20 FTE, expected to double) and redefine processes and ways of working.
“With Jeroen's appointment as COO, we are highly optimistic about our ability to navigate the exciting challenges that lie ahead and accelerate our growth trajectory. His strong leadership, strategic vision, and operational expertise position us well to achieve our goals and establish NoPalm Ingredients as a frontrunner in the industry.” Lars Langhout, CEO & co-founder of NoPalm Ingredients.
Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Jeroen Blansjaar as our new COO. Together, with determination, innovation, and a shared commitment to excellence, we will forge ahead towards a future of success.